You are here

The art of compliance.

Submitted by Scott Pirie on Wed, 2013-06-12 23:54

Achieving compliance, sounds a bit scary doesn't it? But what does it really mean?

For the trainer, it means getting a client to do what you want them to. Why? Because as a trainer, you want your client to achieve their goals. The goals that you've discussed and decided upon together and the means by which they can be reached.
For the client, it means having to sacrifice all the food they love to eat, endless hours of exercises that they hate and can't find time for and and and....well the list can be endless.
But it isn't really that way, or at least shouldn't be. I know a lot of promises are made by trainers and gyms saying you can shred fat, burn fat, torch fat, lose weight, feel great and all in a matter of weeks! That's brilliant, where do I sign up?
They may even achieve some of those promises with endless bootcamps and an eating regime last seen in a soviet gulag for the period you've signed up for.
But does that achieve compliance or get you what you want? In the short term, you may think that you can handle it and it's all going great guns. But what happens after the initial short term euphoria wears off? The weight loss slows down or indeed starts to reverse? Do you actually know what your body is doing and the effects of the exercise and diet combined are having? And then there's life. Always getting in the way of a good plan.
No, compliance should be seen as a long term change of lifestyle for better health and fitness gains. It should be considered long term as in the rest of your life. Something that is second nature and no longer thought about. Cravings controlled not by willpower, but by natural body requirements and demands.
And all this compliance is not impossible to achieve. The secret is working closely with your trainer or someone you trust who has agreed to support you, not be judgemental and to guide you onto a path that you can follow. Talk to them, confide in them as necessary, don't be afraid to admit lapses for both nutrition and exercise and trust them.
Take little steps. Throwing yourself heart and soul into a challenge is fantastic if you can sustain it, but all too often, thats not how it happens. Find what works for you. What worked your friend or celebrity X will most likely not be the right strategy for you. Gain the knowledge and support that will help you achieve your goal.
Armed with the knowledge, support, a plan and taking small steps it means you are more likely to reach the desired outcome. It also means that when you hit a bump in the road, you will be able to deal with it as it will only have a small impact on any of your implemented strategies. It will also let you slowly break the bad and develop new good habits. Now doesn't that sound good?
So, going for compliance? Do it slowly and you're more likely to succeed in the long term.